Laser Vision Centers, Inc. Calls FDA Approval To Treat Hyperopia Positive; Half of U.S. Population Now Eligible For Excimer Laser Treatment
ST. LOUIS--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 3, 1998--Laser Vision Centers, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVCI) said today it expects to see an increase in surgical case volume as a result of today's FDA approval of the VISX Star S2 laser system for the treatment of hyperopia (farsightedness).
The Company said that close to half of the entire U.S. population are now candidates for some type of excimer laser treatment.
"We congratulate VISX for achieving this milestone," said John J. Klobnak, Chairman and CEO of Laser Vision Centers, Inc. Mr. Klobnak said all of the Company's excimer lasers have been either upgraded or will be upgraded within a few weeks. "We have been compiling a database of hyperopes for several years and we will begin communicating this news to them today."
Mr. Klobnak said the Company also expects to see business increase for its mobile microkeratome business, as many surgeons believe a larger flap is necessary when performing a hyperopic laser correction using the LASIK procedure. Laser Vision operates more Chiron/Bausch and Lomb Hansatome microkeratomes, which make the larger, 9mm flap. "We believe that many surgeons who have the older microkeratomes will seek our services when performing hyperopic LASIK."
Laser Vision Centers, Inc. is the world's largest operator of excimer lasers with locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Sweden and Greece. The excimer laser is a device which allows eye surgeons to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with an outpatient procedure which usually lasts less than one minute.
Except for historical information, statements relating to the Company's plan, objectives and future performance are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. Because of various risks and uncertainties, actual strategies and results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected. Additional discussion of factors affecting the Company's business is contained in the Company's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT:
Laser Vision Centers, Inc., St. Louis
John A. Stiles, 314/434-6900 Ext. 101
email: jstiles@laservision.com
www.laservision.com
KEYWORD: MISSOURI
BW0113 NOV 03,1998
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